Chair Mr. Mark Coffey announces Miss Bessie McGaffin to be the recipient of the 2023 Roger Connellan Award.

Bessie will receive $20,000 towards her aviation training goals.

After growing up on a beef farm in regional Victoria, Bessie has based herself in both very remote NT and QLD for the past 10 years. Having completed a degree in agriculture, and her private pilot’s license, Bessie is working on a remote station as a Station Hand and Pilot in the Barkley region.

Over the coming year Bessie aims to complete her commercial pilots license (CPL) and gain experience in different aviation machines and operations in the agricultural industry.

“Completing my CPL will help me to continue living my dream and contribute to the aviation industry operating in remote Australia at a higher, more experienced, and safer level. I believe the combination of commercial training and my station experience will help me in becoming an asset and contributor to the aviation industry servicing remote Australia.” Miss McGaffin said.

Mr Coffey commented on Miss McGaffin’s community minded approach to living and working in the bush. “Bessie has demonstrated a commitment not only to advancing her aviation skills, but as an emerging community leader.”

“The Roger Connellan Award supports aviation development for rural and remote people, recognising that bush pilots are vital to enhancing the capacity of remote places. It is important that we support these people to retain them in rural and remote areas” Mr Coffey said.

The Award was established in 2017 in memory of Roger Connellan who was a pilot with Connellan Airways. Roger rose to Chief Check and Training Captain. He was a highly decorated and regarded aviator who also helped establish the Alice Springs Aero Club in 1964. This success brought aviation training to the outback. The Award aims to give the opportunity, by provision of financial support to people living in Outback Australia for professional development in an aviation related field excluding initial licensing.

Connellan Airways Trust offers several grant and scholarship opportunities for outback people. This Award is one of two exceptional Awards that honours the foundations of the Trust through the Connellan Airways airline. Since establishment of the Connellan Airways Trust in 1981, it has been able to provide more than $4.8 million to residents in Outback Australia, supporting the advancement of outback skills and capabilities.

For information on the Connellan Airways Trust visit www.connellanairwaystrust.org.au

Media Enquiries Contact: Jessica Hacket, Executive Officer: 0439 049 646